I absolutely believe that death can "temper man's tempers" and can bring reconcilation to people's relationships. I have seen families that weren't speaking to one another reconcile in such a situation - however, sometimes I have seen those same reconciliations fall apart within a short time. There is something about grieving together that helps put differences aside; but if you don't get to the root of the problem and work that out, the reconcilation's foundation is like a house built upon the sand. It cannot stand.
Having said that.... if you are referring to a reconciliation of the viewpoints of several of these "key players in this debate" - from my experience with this family..... that ain't gonna happen. Each of these men will grieve with their wives and support the family during this time and will together celebrate the life of a great man of God. However, next week when the debate is opened up - none of them will feel any differently about the resolution than they do now. Although his family has a great diversity of viewpoints regarding many spiritual issues, Brother Mac never tolerated arguments and harsh disagreements about these things at family gatherings. They will honor his wishes once again during the coming days - but next week when the business sessions begin, each of them will stand firm for what they believe.
Now.... they just MIGHT feel differently regarding how they will react after the vote. Prayerfully, that will be the case. That will be the test of whether God's timing played a role in this situation.
JMHO
__________________ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Daniel, my experience has been any reconciliation whether friend, family or foe, is usually short lived. If people who couldn't get along before choose to reconciliate, they eventually will find differences that will seperate the relationship again. People are quickly reminded why they couldn't get along to start with.
You just can't change a leopards stripes unless the leapord is willing to undergo surgery to have it done. Usually isn't the case.
Most offense that seperates relationship is so powerful it burns bridges and destroys trust.
The experience of death does cause one to reflect inward and consider for a brief moment of time their mortality. However, when habitual patterns return, old patterns reemerge destroying any progress that may have been made during those brief moments of reflection.
It's a new years resolution all over again, and at the end of the year, nothing has changed. Tragedy does humble us, but unless completely surrenderd and committed to change, once the moment passes, its dejavu all over again.
By the way, whos going to die? I have eternal life!!!
Daniel, my experience has been any reconciliation whether friend, family or foe, is usually short lived. If people who couldn't get along before choose to reconciliate, they eventually will find differences that will seperate the relationship again. People are quickly reminded why they couldn't get along to start with.
You just can't change a leopards stripes unless the leapord is willing to undergo surgery to have it done. Usually isn't the case.
I have to agree here...usually its a temporary reconciliation or unity. Folks are smart enough to set differences aside temporarily, but unless there is lasting personal change, the differences will come back up later.
__________________
"God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours."
--David Livingstone
"To see no being, not God’s or any, but you also go thither,
To see no possession but you may possess it—enjoying all without labor or purchase—
abstracting the feast, yet not abstracting one particle of it;…."
--Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, Song of the Open Road
John McDonald
Joy Haney
Janet Jones
Mary Wilson
Beverly Davies
Priscilla McGruder
Julie ???
If you have been around the UPCI, most of these names will ring a bell...
BTW.... in my previous post, I did not intend to give the impression that there was any animosity between these siblings or their spouses .... just as I stated a great "diversity" among what they think about certain issues.
__________________ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Hybrid Mode
